Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2024
103. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current position regarding the Mountmellick flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46064/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the implementation of Ireland’s national flood policy, which includes the development of a planned programme of feasible works for flood relief schemes.
In 2018, to facilitate the development of a programme of works, the OPW completed a strategic study - the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM programme resulted in the publication of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs), which identified and described the flood risk in various river basins (including the Barrow River Basin and the town of Mountmellick) and potentially viable flood relief works.
To facilitate the progression of potentially viable flood relief works in Mountmellick, Laois County Council (LCC) agreed, with the support of the OPW, to lead the further detailed assessment of the flood risk, design options and environmental assessments to support a planning application for a viable scheme. Additionally, LCC engaged the services of an engineering consultant to facilitate the progression of the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme.
The Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme is currently approaching the end of Stage One (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) with the selection of a preferred option identified, which involves flood defences such as embankments, walls, culvert upgrades and a bridge replacement over the Owenass River that will provide protection to 129 properties against flooding. The preferred option was selected based on a range of criteria including economic, environmental and ecological impact, climate change adaptability and consideration of the feedback which arose during the public and stakeholder consultation process.
The scheme’s Option Report and Environmental Impact Assessment Report along with the other planning documents are now substantially complete. An additional report to analyse local residents concerns is also nearing completion. Subject to the completion of the relevant documentation, it is currently envisaged that an application for planning consent for the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála under Part 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended prior to the end of Q4 2024. Subject to planning consent, and following a period for detailed design, construction is to begin in 2026, while targeting an ambitious 2027, substantial completion is likely no earlier than 2028, subject to seasonal work restrictions.
